To ready the area for the launch of the electric Soul, Kia added 10 new fast chargers at dealerships in the area. All 20 of the dealers selling the Soul EV are equipped with Level 2 chargers, but just 10 of the dealerships were “up-fitted” with DC fast chargers. . . .

Guy [I have lots of experience designing/selling off-grid AE systems, some using EVs but don't own one. Local trips are by foot, bike and/or rapid transit].

The 'best' is the enemy of 'good enough'.Copper shot, not Silver bullets.

IRVINE, Calif., July 8, 2015 – The 2016 Soul EV marks the second year of Kia’s first mass-market zero emissions, battery electric vehicle. For 2016, the Soul EV is offered in three trims – Soul EV-e, Soul EV, Soul EV+ (plus) – up from two in 2015. Offering a long list of standard equipment at a lower price point, the Soul EV-e brings new value for those looking for a fun and funky alternative in the EV segment. The Soul EV+ continues as the range-topping trim, and is further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of the Sun & Fun Package. Additional 2016 enhancements standard across the Soul EV lineup include a charge port nozzle lock, an illuminated Aux/USB port, and two new exterior colors: Shadow Black and Bright Silver.

The new Soul EV-e provides versatility and affordability while offering a long list of standard equipment. Eco-conscious drivers will appreciate standard features that include a DC fast charge port, 6.6-killowatt onboard charger, 3.5-inch OLED Supervision cluster, smart key with push button start and a driver-only ventilation function that closes the passenger vents to help maximize efficiency based on vehicle occupancy. The Soul EV-e also includes heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and FlexSteer™, as standard equipment.

The Soul EV trim carries over for 2016 with a number of standard premium features and content that adds to the Soul EV-e’s equipment list. Front and center is the capacitive touch 8-inch navigation2 touchscreen with Rear Camera Display3 and UVO EV Services2, Kia’s suite of telematics technology that incorporates the ability to search for charging stations, remotely check the state-of-charge and precondition the vehicle’s interior temperature through the user’s Smartphone. In addition, a heat pump HVAC system is standard, and helps improve energy efficiency to maximize driving range.

For 2016, the popular Soul EV+ (plus) is available with the new Sun & Fun Package, which includes a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting and speaker lights that pulse to the beats of the six-speaker audio system. Additional standard EV+ features include ventilated front passenger seats, heated rear outboard seats, leather trimmed seats, front and rear Park Assist, and power folding mirrors. . . .

Guy [I have lots of experience designing/selling off-grid AE systems, some using EVs but don't own one. Local trips are by foot, bike and/or rapid transit].

The 'best' is the enemy of 'good enough'.Copper shot, not Silver bullets.

Is it true that the Kia Soul EV locks the J1772 handle to the car and doesn't automatically release when done? If so, is there an option to disable?

A Kia Soul EV showed up at my work but I don't know the (very new to EVs) driver and haven't mailed them yet. They added their car to the table (on an internal web page @ work) and made notes similar to the notes in their entry I made about the i3 and e-Golf, which have non-configurable J1772 handle locks. They remain locked like a parasite even when charging's complete and there's no way yet to alter their behavior (ala the 3 position switch on '13+ Leafs).

cwerdna wrote:Is it true that the Kia Soul EV locks the J1772 handle to the car and doesn't automatically release when done? If so, is there an option to disable?

A Kia Soul EV showed up at my work but I don't know the (very new to EVs) driver and haven't mailed them yet. They added their car to the table (on an internal web page @ work) and made notes similar to the notes in their entry I made about the i3 and e-Golf, which have non-configurable J1772 handle locks. They remain locked like a parasite even when charging's complete and there's no way yet to alter their behavior (ala the 3 position switch on '13+ Leafs).

Following the launch of the Soul EV (earlier post) late last year in California, along with sales beginning in Georgia, Texas, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii earlier this year, Kia Motors America (KMA) is expanding availability of its fully charged urban runabout into four new states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland. KMA’s announcement will bring the total number of states selling the Soul EV to 10.

Nineteen Kia dealers will be certified to sell and service the Soul EV across these four states, and customers will have access to charging stations installed at these facilities. The Soul EV will be sold in eight New York dealerships, six New Jersey dealerships, three Maryland dealerships, and two Connecticut dealerships. From January through September, KMA has sold 727 units of the Soul EV, according to the monthly compilation by hybridcars.com. Soul EV sales in the Northeast will begin in the fourth quarter. . . .

Guy [I have lots of experience designing/selling off-grid AE systems, some using EVs but don't own one. Local trips are by foot, bike and/or rapid transit].

The 'best' is the enemy of 'good enough'.Copper shot, not Silver bullets.